The East Africa Emerging Public Interest Advocates Programme for young legal professionals is a flagship fellowship programme by the Centre for Strategic Litigation (CSL) in partnership with other East African organisations including the Network of Public Interest Lawyers (NETPIL), Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), Katiba Institute, Kituo cha Sheria, Advocates for Natural Resources and Development, Tax Justice Network - Africa, Center for Food and Adequate Living Rights, Initiative for Social and Economic Rights, Tree of Hope and Justice Centers. The programme empowers young advocates through rigorous skills-based training and practical experience in public interest litigation. The goal of the programme is to build the next generation of public interest advocates in East Africa who share a commitment to and passion for promoting social justice and democratic values. This comes from the realisation that there is a limited number of active public interest litigants as most lawyers prefer careers in private and other fields of law. The fellowship provides up to 30 outstanding young advocates from Kenya, Tanzania (mainland), Tanzania (Zanzibar) and Uganda with an opportunity to learn from public interest litigation and advocacy academics and practitioners, both in class and in court for six (6) months under the following carefully designed curriculum:
- Residential programme
Intensive 1-month residential training programme. The residency combines lectures, court visits, community engagement, and practical learning through moot courts and mock trials. Fellows interact with some of the leading practitioners and scholars in human rights, constitutionalism and public interest litigation in East Africa.
- Practicum
4.5 months of practical work in partner organizations under the tutelage of a dedicated mentor. Fellows work on selected problems under the mentorship of an experienced public interest litigant. Practical skills in Public Interest litigation and advocacy take place during this phase.
- Closing Seminars
Fellows, trainers, and mentors convene in residence for reflection, evaluation of progress, and to determine the way forward. The programme for the respective cohort concluded.
